Black Moon Rising – A Sign of the Apocalypse or Not?

Friday September 30th, 2016 is a day which some say could be the beginning of the Apocalypse. It’s not the date that holds any significance, but the celestial event which will happen that night. For the first time since March, 2014, a rare Black Moon is set to appear in the skies of the western hemisphere. In a year where we’ve already seen a super moon, blue moon, and a blood moon, the black moon prophesy seems to be no big deal; or is it?

Many stories are already circulating that the black moon is a similar phenomena, when in fact it’s not. A blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a single calendar month. A black moon on the other hand occurs when there are two new moons in a single month. A new moon occurs when the moon is between the sun and the earth. The sun illuminates the side we cannot see, so it appears that there is no moon in the night sky. Despite all the hype and expectations for an amazing viewing event, there will be nothing to see; Black moon + black sky = invisible. Stargazers might not be as heartbroken as those who expected an amazing sight. Without the moon’s glare, the night sky will be something worth taking a look at.

The black moon officially occurs at 8:11 p.m. EDT (5:11 p.m. PDT) on Friday. For sky-watchers in the Eastern Hemisphere (Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe) the black moon won’t occur until after midnight. Technically those in the Eastern Hemisphere could argue that this black moon is actually a regular new moon since after midnight it will actually be October 1st, the start of a new month.

Science or Prophesy?

Science is often overlooked when the world looks at significant celestial events and this one is no different. When multiple events happen in succession, there is even more hype. Earlier this month, a “ring of fire” solar eclipse was witnessed. On September 1, the moon lined up with the Earth and the sun above Africa, and now a black moon only weeks later. There are those who think it signifies the end of days. The source for this thinking comes from the Christian Bible’s numerous references to the moon, sun and stars, particularly Luke 21:25-26, which states “there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars” which will result in “men’s hearts failing them for fear.”

Ring of Fire eclipse over Africa, September 1st, 2016

Moon Magic

The moon is significant in many religions and cultural practices across the globe, including early Christianity. It’s mysterious, at times foreboding, and powerful, which together make it something people focused on. For centuries, powerful civilizations planted crops according to the Moon’s phases and held rituals celebrating the power of the Moon. Even today, the moon is still recognized as having a power that affects planting and growing, people’s emotions, and the tides. After years and years, people gave less credit to magic and more credit to the natural way of things. Yet, some groups, especially those who cast spells or practiced old forms of magick, saw the moon in a totally different light. And to them, a black moon would hold special significance. The human subconscious is ruled by the moon’s power. Practitioners of magick and spell casting are supposed to gain extra power by tapping into the energy of the moon; but only if they’ve learned the ways and means.

Since pagan and wiccan religious practices are varied, it’s really not possible to list the reasons or the methodology of them. Moon magick is a deep and spiritual practice which has it’s roots in time long since past. Centuries-old practices have evolved into what’s practiced today, sometimes in guarded secretive groups. Pagans, witches, and wiccans understand that knowledge is power, which adds yet another layer to the already complex practices. A search on-line will certainly reveal samples of what different groups practice and why, but how they are interpreted by the outsider is strictly up to the reader.

Chances are fairly high that since the world has experienced a black moon many times in the past that the world won’t be coming to an end. It didn’t end with the last Blood Moon, nor the Super Moon. Regardless of the outcome, conspiracy theorists will continue to find obscure texts from ancient texts to “prove” their theories. If you are interested in the Blood moon, more information can be found here.

As a hopeless romantic at heart, Ralph indulges in romantic poetry, but also allows his mind time to wonder across all subjects.A master of vocabulary and word-use, Ralph has a writing style that gives his works their own life, often giving his readers just enough information that they end up doing additional research on his subject matter.

What is the Gypsy Thread?

The Gypsy Thread site is a place where expression, investigation, interpretation, and opinion all collide. It's my collection of the unexplained, esoteric, magickal, and essential. In order to truly survive and thrive in the world we live in, each one of us must take the bold step to tell the world who we are and what we believe in. I choose to leave my footprint in the world with written works. Feel free to comment or reach out to me directly if the need arises. My e-mail address is poet@gmx.us - Blessed Be!